Weather alert: Rain, thunderstorms to hit several regions of Pakistan

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert through its National Emergency Operation Center for the period from March 9 to March 12, 2026, warning of rain and thunderstorms in several parts of the country.

According to the advisory, rainfall is expected in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the forecast period.

The Potohar Plateau, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum and Mianwali, is likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by light rain during the next 12 to 24 hours. Hailstorms are also expected in Islamabad and upper parts of the Potohar region.

The NDMA said light rain with thunderstorms is likely in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from March 9 to 11. Areas expected to receive rainfall include Chitral, Dir, Haripur, Karak, Kohat, Kohistan, Khyber, Kurram, Mansehra, Mohmand, Nowshera, Malakand, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Bannu, Buner, Peshawar and Swabi and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, partly cloudy weather with light rain and thundershowers is expected at a few places in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from March 9 to 11. Rainfall is forecast in areas including Astore, Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli and Poonch.

The NDMA has advised authorities and residents in the affected areas to remain cautious and stay updated with weather advisories during the forecast period.